Tension Rises at NASS as Pro-Akpabio, Natasha Supporters Clash

The National Assembly was engulfed in heightened tension on Wednesday as supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with those backing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, amid an ongoing crisis in the Senate following sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the National Assembly to a warm reception from her supporters, who have been demanding Akpabio’s resignation over her accusations of sexual harassment. The female Senator alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her at his residence in December 2023, and again when she sought clarification about her Ajaokuta Steel motion. She also accused him of deliberately isolating her in the Senate chamber through seating arrangements after a confrontation during a plenary session.

As Akpoti-Uduaghan approached a protest site near the MOPOL gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, holding placards with inscriptions such as, “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.” Many of the demonstrators were members of civil society organizations, demanding a full investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio.

In a dramatic turn of events, a rival group of pro-Akpabio supporters staged a counter-protest, rejecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. Their banners carried messages such as, “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”

Earlier in the day, reports indicated that security personnel—some in uniform and others in plainclothes—attempted to disperse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters at the National Assembly gate, located opposite Eagle Square. Tear gas was deployed, forcing the demonstrators to scatter for safety. Despite the initial dispersal, the protesters regrouped at a nearby location and continued their demonstration, vowing to not relent until their demands were heard.

As tensions escalated within and outside the Senate, all eyes were on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which is currently investigating the case of alleged misconduct involving Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.